USD coaching certification

Question
I am a first yeat Division III college diving coach. I want to get more coaching
experience to make myself better. I have looked into getting USD coaching
certified but many coaches I know say that this certification is pointless. I would
also like to attend some coaching clinics and get spotting training. Do you have
any suggestions for the best way to get more diving coaching education?

Answer
Hi Channing -

The purpose of the USD Coaching Certification is mainly for club coaches, mostly age group coaches. It was put in place in 1989 at the request of their insurance company so that coaches are educated in safety to reduce accidents and claims. That is why you were probably told it is pointless.

As far as clinics go, they do not come around too often. There was a big one last September at the USD National Convention. This convention is held every September and usually has a clinic or two. Keep in touch with their website later this year to see if they offer another one next fall.

In the meantime, you should go to their website,
www.usadiving.org, and order some of their educational materials. Click on 'Store' in the upper right hand corner, and then click on 'Educational' items. There you will find many materials that could help you. If you order the Safety Manual, you can read it and then decide if you want to take the Safety Course. If you don't, it is good book to have anyway. There are also videos on spotting training.

Another source of info is to go to www.usadiver.com and on the right hand side of the site, click on Hobbie Billingsley's new book about competitive diving. It will take you to the 'Springboards and More' site to order. This is also a good site to save and refer to for diving equipment.

The last suggestion is to go to Amazon.com and search for Ron O'Brien's "Diving For Gold" book and video. It is kind of old but very informative.

The only other thing I can think of about spotting is to find a club coach in your area that has one over a tramp or dryboard. That is how many coaches learn how to do it. Since I do not know where you live, ask a follow up question with your school/city/state and I'll refer you to the closest team I can find that could help you.

Good luck with your season.

Tom Trapp